Favorite Quote: “Just keep swimming”
Charlee Backensto is an eleven-year-old Hunter Jumper. Her mother, Hannah Ellis, explains in her nomination letter how deserving Charlee is of being honored due to the amount of adversity, and even tragedy, this little girl has overcome in her short eleven years.
Medical complications and subsequent kidney issues, multiple yearly hospitalizations, and even the loss of her baby brother in 2018 have not kept Charlee from pursuing her dreams as an equestrian. “Despite all of these challenges, Charlee still finds the motivation to continue,” Hannah explains.
Charlee was only introduced to horses two years ago. She began by caring for a Thoroughbred named George and progressed to taking lessons. She now rides at Crimson-Moon Arabians in Mansfield, Ohio, under the guidance of trainer Sierra Floyd. She is now showing in local shows and is competitive, yet encouraging as well. Hanna says, “Charlee sees the horse for more than just a horse- as her partner, and she focuses on her horse’s needs before herself.”
Placing 4th in her first ever horse show is a recent success of Charlee’s. She rides an Arabian, Plato, and he is who makes her want to ride. He is the first to meet her at the gate and loves her unconditionally.
Charlee’s biggest challenge in life so far is her medical issues with her kidneys. According to Hannah, her left kidney has suffered extreme damage from chronic kidney infections and has not grown since Charlee was four. She now has to have blood work drawn continuously to monitor her kidney function. Her biggest accomplishment is “overcoming fear and staying positive when life around her feels like it’s falling apart.” It’s no surprise this young equestrian’s favorite quote is “Just keep swimming.”
Jumping consistently is Charlee’s short-term goal. Her long-term goal is to compete in the Grand Prix.
Age:
11
Discipline:
Hunter Jumper
Hometown:
Mansfield Ohio
Trainer:
Siarra Floyd
School:
Madison Middle
